(L-R): Principal John Black, Jenkins Elementary; 2015 Wilmer Jenkins Teacher of the Year, Laurie Ferguson
At the May 7th meeting of the Thursday Rotary Club of Hickory, President David Moore announced the 2015 Wilmer Jenkins Teacher of the Year for the Hickory Public Schools. The award is given annually in memory of Wilmer M. Jenkins, who served as superintendent of Hickory Public Schools from July 1, 1958 – June 30, 1967 and was a member and past President of the Thursday Rotary Club of Hickory.
This year the selection committee chose Laurie Ferguson of W. M. Jenkins Elementary school as Teacher of the Year 2015. Ms. Ferguson has taught for 21 years, the last 18 at Jenkins Elementary. Due to high enrollment, Ms. Ferguson moved up from the third grade to the fourth grade this year. Her move to the fourth grade allowed the development of a program known as Explorations. This program allows each fourth grade teacher to share teaching responsibilities on a subject they are passionate about to all fourth grade students. Ms. Ferguson is using her passion for science to bring science to life for 87 fourth graders this school year.
Teachers nominated for this year’s award were Amber Bowles, Hickory High; Cindy Brittain, Grandview Middle; Jerrica Dula, Oakwood Elementary; Laurie Ferguson, Jenkins Elementary; Lisa Galit, Longview Elementary; Lillian Presnell, Southwest Elementary; Alex Ward, Hickory Career & Arts Magnet; Mary Kate Yestrumskas, Viewmont Elementary; and Christine Young, Northview Middle. Each nominee received a plaque and a check for $500, and the Teacher of the Year received $1,000.
These donations are made possible by the Thursday Rotary Club of Hickory’s successful fundraising activities, including the annual Rotarian Idol competition. The Thursday Rotary Club of Hickory’s ongoing commitment of financial support continues to provide necessary educational assistance locally, and is consistent with the club’s continued commitment to and financial support of local educational initiatives.
Nominees (L-R): Amber Boyles, Hickory High; Cindy Brittain, Grandview Middle; Christine Young, Northview Middle; Mary Kate Yestrumskas, Viewmont Elementary; Laurie Ferguson, Jenkins Elementary; Jerrica Dula, Oakwood Elementary; Lisa Galit, Longview Elementary; Lillian Presnell, Southwest Elementary; Alex Ward, Hickory Career & Arts Magnet.
